There are so many reasons why Budapest is popular. In fact, I like it more than Paris, Rome or even London. It has plenty of restaurants where you can taste delicious food, enjoy amazing nightlife, and appreciate the sophisticated architecture the city has to offer. Here is the list of the things you might find interesting to do:
1. Buy a ticket for a Hop On-Hop Off bus.
This costs 25 euros and it allows unlimited travel on all public transport and a couple of discounts and free entries to certain baths, museums and restaurants. Definitely worth your money!
2. Walk Across the Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge was completed in 1849 and it was the first bridge to permanently connect Buda and Pest. Legend has it that when it was discovered the lions that stand guard at either end of it, lost their tongues and as a result, the architect committed suicide.
3. Go on Danube cruise
This is a definite MUST! Go, even if it is raining. Not only will you get to see the Parliament but also all the 8 bridges, the Buda Castle, Buda and Pest.
4. Take a ride on Tram No. 2
This tram takes the entire river route from one side of Pesto on the other. You may find this tram the highlight of your trip!
5. Relax in the Széchenyi Baths
Széchenyi Baths are the Europe’s largest and warmest spa with the temperature reaching the 77 C degrees. There are many more baths you can enjoy in Budapest, with some of them dating back to 16th century, when the city was still in the grips of Ottoman rule. Nowadays thermal baths comprise an integral part of the city’s culture.
6. Enjoy the view from Buda Castle
You can see the whole city from here. If you are on a budget, avoid theteleferic. Although the ride offers magnificent views, it is very expensive – €5,50 and only lasts a few minutes.
7. Explore the Labyrinth of Buda Castle
It is considered as one of the 7 wonders of the underground world. During the 15th century, Vlad Tepes, the popular Count Dracula, was held in captivity here by Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus.
8. Be on the lookout at the Fisherman’s Bastion
From the neo Gothic terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion you can have panoramic views of the city. Here you’ll find seven towers, an abundance of steps and mysterious pathways.
9. Shop at the Central Market Hall
The 19th century Central Market Hall (the city’s largest indoor market) you can buy anything you desire; fresh vegetables, Hungarian sausages, Hungarian paprika and of course Hungarian wines. On the first floor you can find groceries, while on the second floor, vendors sell souvenirs and traditional Hungarian embroidery. Try to avoid eating inside the market as it can be pricey.
10. Have a picnic on Margaret Island (Margit Island)
With the shape of a teardrop, this green island is an emerald facet of Budapest. It is crowned with flowery gardens,acres of centuries-old oaks, medieval ruins, a beach, a zoo, a thermal bath and lots of entertainment.
11. Try a Traditional Hungarian Dish Paired with Hungarian Wine
You can find lots of restaurants in Budapest that cater for everyone’s taste; from touristy, posh bistros to local taverns that serve authentic Hungarian dishes at reasonable prices. One of such places is Pálinka Bistrot, where we had a delicious Hungarian goulashsoup, rabbit with dumplings, gravy, and cream, and paired it all wonderfully with Hungarian Tocai.
A smart food option is the restaurant Onyx at the north side of the Vaci street in the Vörösmarty square. It opened in April 2007 and has obtained its first Michelin star in 2011. However, apart from Onyx, I would not recommend eating on Vaci road, which otherwise, is great for walks.
The best Italian restaurant is the Comme Chez Soi but make it sure to book a table in advance.
Locals favour Halkakas restaurant which specialises in freshwater fish and is located just opposite of Vazi street.
One of the best restaurants in the world is in the Four Season Hotel in Budapest.
Another choice of a good restaurants are the Vintage Garden and Felix Kitchen & Bar.
After dining at one of the best restaurants in the city, take a stroll to Gelarto Rosa for an Instagram-worthy rose-shaped gelato cone.
12. Have a drink or two in a Ruin Bar.
Converted from tumble down buildings left over from communist times and before, these enormous bars are designed with creativity and flairand should not be missed!
13. Try the macaroons in the 125 year old cafe, the New York Cafe.
The neo-renaissance style cafe will travel you to another era, visiting it is a once in a lifetime experience.
14. Do not visit the interior of the Parliament.
The impressive parliament of Hungary is the second largest in Europe, after the British. It is inspired by the Westminster Palace and is 250m long. Really impressive from the outside, its interior is not worth visiting andI did not find it interesting.
15. Rub the belly of the Policeman statue
There are so many interesting statues in Budapest but this one is a stand-out. It is located near St. Stephen’s Basilica at the corner of Oktober 6 and Zrinyl Streets. The statue represent a policeman from the early 1900s. If you rub his belly, he will bring you good luck!
Photo by Nikolett Emmert
